Synonyms of encourages

encourages

verb

present tense third-person singular of encourage

1

as in inspires

to fill with courage or strength of purpose

a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inspires
• emboldens
• reinforces
• stimulates
• heartens
• cheers (up)
• provokes
• buoys (up)
• bears up
• reassures
• animates
• enforces
• assures
• inspirits
• invigorates
• strengthens
• enlivens
• bucks up
• chirks (up)
• steels
• stirs
• excites
• energizes
• fortifies
• galvanizes
• rallies
• quickens
• boosts

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourages
• disheartens
• daunts
• undermines
• depresses
• saddens
• demoralizes
• weakens
• debilitates
• dispirits
• intimidates
• enfeebles
• hamstrings
• psychs (out)

2

as in promotes

to help the growth or development of

asserted that the government should be encouraging small businesses, not smothering them with regulations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• promotes
• cultivates
• fosters
• nurtures
• furthers
• advances
• nourishes
• supports
• assists
• forwards
• endorses
• advocates
• incubates
• nurses
• upholds
• aids
• subsidizes
• underwrites
• advertises
• backs
• champions
• endows
• funds
• finances
• stakes
• works (for)
• patronizes
• boosts
• abets
• campaigns (for)
• publicizes
• touts
• plugs
• agitates (for)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourages
• prevents
• inhibits
• hinders
• prohibits
• forbids
• frustrates
• opposes
• enjoins
• proscribes
• counters
• bans
• contends (with)
• outlaws
• bars
• combats
• suppresses
• fights
• stifles
• represses
• subdues
• battles
• retards
• impedes
• arrests
• halts
• checks
• squashes
• interdicts
• obstructs
• interferes (with)
• squelches
• encumbers
• hobbles
• snuffs (out)
• shackles
• fetters
• manacles

3

as in provokes

to rouse to strong feeling or action

the movie's cheap special effects will not encourage audiences to sit on the edge of their seats but to roll in the aisles with laughter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provokes
• stimulates
• inspires
• motivates
• stirs
• arouses
• incites
• excites
• induces
• moves
• instigates
• sparks
• motives
• drives
• fires (up)
• triggers
• piques
• impassions
• revs (up)
• ignites
• activates
• bothers
• angers
• galvanizes
• animates
• energizes
• inflames
• fans
• enrages
• quickens
• foments
• vitalizes
• abets
• builds a fire under
• kindles
• keys (up)
• sets off
• gets
• annoys
• irritates
• teases
• ferments
• raises
• upsets
• exasperates
• aggravates
• whips (up)
• taunts
• maddens
• pumps up
• vexes
• jeers
• galls

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calms
• soothes
• subdues
• appeases
• placates
• tranquilizes
• pacifies
• mollifies

4

as in urges

to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action

the pastor continues to encourage the couple to work out their problems in hopes of saving their marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• urges
• nudges
• prompts
• pushes
• exhorts
• spurs
• coaxes
• propels
• goads
• eggs (on)
• provokes
• prods
• stimulates
• drives
• implores
• presses
• beseeches
• hurries
• rushes
• pressures
• cajoles
• incites
• hustles
• importunes
• adjures
• foments
• instigates
• wheedles
• nags
• high-pressures
• stirs (up)
• blandishes
• needles
• soft-soaps

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourages
• deters
• inhibits
• dissuades
• brakes
• restrains
• curbs
• constrains
• checks
• holds back

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of encourages

Forbes Travel Guide’s second annual Edge List encourages discovery beyond the well-trodden path. — Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

If parents need to contact their students, each district encourages them to reach out to the school’s office. — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026

Cotner encourages anyone with information about Timarius Wiley’s whereabouts to contact the Public Safety Department at 573-471-6200. — Francie Ebert, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026

Deadheading daisies helps maintain a tidy appearance, stimulates new growth, and encourages prolific blooms. — The Spruce, 11 Aug. 2026

Teachers do not need a nomination to apply, but a nomination encourages a teacher to apply. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Aug. 2026

There’s a Moon alert, which lightens the feelings of all your social exchanges and encourages a carefree nonchalance to everything. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026

Spending time with friends and enjoying activities like golf, fishing, or attending sporting events encourages connection and supports an active lifestyle. — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026

Boundless San Francisco, which encourages out-of-the-box ideas, echoes the venture capital ethos, Crankstart Chief Executive Officer Missy Narula said. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026